Wall Street ticks up on data but Fed caution caps gains

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks edged up on Thursday, rising for a third day after strong data indicated improving economic conditions, with caution capping gains ahead of Friday’s payrolls report and its implication on the Federal Reserve’s stimulus program.

Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange shortly after the opening of markets in New York, September 4, 2013. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson

Markets continue to deal with the possibility of a U.S.-led strike against Syria, and U.S. President Barack Obama faced growing pressure at the Group of 20 summit in Russia not to use military force.

Growth in the U.S. services sector accelerated in August to its fastest pace in almost eight years, while new jobless claims last week fell to a near five-year low. The data bolstered views the Fed could start slowing its bond-buying program as soon as this month.

The equity market is showing resilience in the face of a possible bombing of Syria and a smaller Fed stimulus due to the underlying strength in the economy, said King Lip, chief investment officer at Baker Avenue Asset Management in San Francisco.

He said the case for winding down the Fed’s $85 billion a month in asset purchases “is stronger than it has ever been,” with Friday’s jobs report the tipping point for the decision.

The strong data and expectations for the Fed’s taper triggered a selloff in bonds, with the benchmark 10-year Treasury yield brushing against 3 percent. Analysts said the recent bond selloff could persist.

Fastenal Co (FAST.O) rose 6 percent to $48.60 as the best performer on the S&P 500 after the seller of industrial and construction supplies reported a jump in August net sales as well as an increase in customers.

Retail stocks rose as many U.S. retailers reported stronger-than-expected August sales, but had to use steep discounts to attract back-to-school shoppers.

Shares of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia MSO.N dropped 5.7 percent to $2.32 after a New York Post report that J.C. Penney (JCP.N) is scrapping a line of products that rival Macy’s (M.N) has claimed violated its contract with Martha Stewart. J.C. Penney shares rose 5.3 percent to $14.22 and Macy’s added 2.7 percent to $46.02.